Northside Health Library

Double outlet right ventricle

Definition

Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a congenital heart disease in which the aorta rises from the right ventricle (the chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the lungs), instead of from the left ventricle (the normal pumping chamber to the body).

Both the pulmonary artery (which carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs) and aorta (which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body) come from the same pumping chamber. No arteries arise from the left ventricle (the normal pumping chamber to the body).

The presence of a VSD helps the infant with DORV, because oxygen-rich blood from the lungs flows from the left side of the heart, through the VSD opening and into the right chamber, mixing with the oxygen-poor blood. However, the body may still not get enough oxygen even with this mixture, and the heart has to work harder to try to bring more oxygen-rich blood to the body.

There are several types of DORV. The difference between these types is the location of the VSD compared to the location of the pulmonary artery and aorta. The type of DORV, and the presence or absence of pulmonary valve stenosis, affect the severity of signs and symptoms the baby may have.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The presence of other complications (such as coarctation of the aorta and mitral valve problems)

The baby's overall health at the time of diagnosis

Whether lung damage has occurred from too much blood flowing to the lungs for a long period of time

Possible Complications

Complications from DORV may include:

Congestive heart failure (CHF)

High blood pressure in the lungs

Irreversible damage to the lungs due to untreated high blood pressure in the lungs

All children with this congenital heart disease should take antibiotics before dental treatment. This prevents infections around the heart. Antibiotics may also be needed after surgery.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if your child seems to tire easily, has trouble breathing, or has bluish skin or lips. You should also consult your health care provider if your baby is not growing or gaining weight.